Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The FAA specifies several levels of irradiance; it is not necessary to injure a pilot to disrupt a
flight. See App. C for further discussion of outdoor laser use.
25
For any light show (indoor or outdoor) conducted by a Duke affiliated entity, that entity must
coordinate with the LSM. The LSM will request from the light show operators a copy of the
required Report on Laser Light Show Display (or variance document) prior to the show. Upon
receipt, the LSM shall review the description of the show and the operators safety procedures. The
LSM may require additional safety measures to assure the safety of the operators, performers, or
audience. Specific requirements for laser light shows include:
A.3.1.1 The CDRH and ANSI requirements specified by the LSM must be met.
A.3.1.2 Any audience exposure to laser radiation must not exceed the ANSI Class 1 limit.
A.3.1.3 Operators, performers, and employees must be able to perform their duties without having
to directly view laser radiation exceeding the ANSI Class 1 limit, and without being exposed to
laser radiation exceeding the ANSI Class 2 limit.
A.3.1.4 All laser scanners (including mirror balls) must incorporate proper scanning safeguards.
A.3.1.5 If the laser is not under continuous operator control, any Class 3b, or 4 level of laser
radiation cannot be closer than 6 m vertically or 2.5 m horizontally from any standing surface or
standing position where the audience may be located.
A.3.1.6 If the laser is under continuous operator control, any Class 3a, 3b, or 4 level of laser
radiation cannot be closer than 3 m vertically or 2.5 m horizontally from any standing surface or
standing position where the audience may be located.
A.3.1.7 An operator with an accessible control to terminate the beam must be available if
conditions become unsafe.
A.3.1.8 FAA notification is required (for Class 3a/3R, 3b/3B, and 4 lasers) if the display is being
used in navigable airspace.
A.3.1.9 Additional safety requirements may be needed as specified by the LSM.
A.3.1.10 The CDRH Report on Laser Light Show Display forms are available from the LSM.
NOTE: An SOP is not normally required for laser light shows.
A.3.2 Research Projects Involving Outdoor Laser Use
The PLU shall inform the LSM of any lasers used outdoors for research projects. Such laser uses
will need to be covered under an SOP approved by the LSM as specified in the Duke Laser Safety
Policy. The department will be responsible for informing the LSM of any indoor or outdoor
telecommunication applications being pursued by that department. In both cases, the application
and operation of the laser system(s) shall be evaluated by the LSM to ensure that appropriate
safety measures are in place prior to operation. Specific laser safety requirements for (non-light
show) uses of lasers include:
A3.2.1 The PLU must create a written SOP and meet the specified SOP safety requirements.
A.3.2.2 The LSM will establish a Nominal Hazard Zone (any area where the maximum
permissible exposure (MPE) is exceeded).
26
A.3.2.3 The NHZ must be posted and/or restricted as directed by the LSM.
A.3.2.5 The PLU must ensure that only trained personnel enter the NHZ, and that appropriate PPE
(personal protective equipment) is issued and used.
A.3.2.6 The PLU must ensure users are properly trained and meet the campus laser safety training
requirements.
A.3.2.7 The PLU must ensure only authorized personnel are allowed to operate the laser.
A.3.2.8 The PLU must ensure the use of any required administrative/engineering controls.
A.3.2.9 Laser beams shall not be directed toward structures, automobiles, aircraft, or other vehicles
within the NHZ unless adequate training and protective equipment is provided and used by all
personnel within these structures/vehicles.
A.3.2.10 The laser beam path shall not be maintained at eye level without LSM approval.
A.3.2.11 FAA notification is required (for Class 3a/3R, 3b/3B, or 4 lasers) if the laser is being used
in navigable airspace.
A.3.2.12 Additional safety requirements may be needed as specified by the LSM.
A.4 Emergencies
The potential for injuries from a laser light show/display is minimal if the operators observe the
CDRH requirements. In the event that an individual suspects an eye injury, the operators of the
laser system shall be notified immediately so that the laser beam(s) can be terminated. The event
staff shall also be notified and medical attention shall be provided to the injured individual if
needed. The LSM shall be informed as soon as possible should any laser injury be suspected. The
LSM or his alternate can be contacted at any time by calling 911 and asking for the Duke
Radiation Safety Office.
27
APPENDIX B
Summary of Laser Hazard Classification Schemes
FDA/CDRH
21CFR1040.10
ANSI Z136 IEC/EN 80625
Class I - levels of laser radiation are not
considered hazardous
Class 1 no hazard; exempt from all
control measures
Class 1 no risk, even with viewing
instruments
Class 1M
a
no risk except perhaps to eye
when viewed through viewing instruments
(eye loupes or binoculars)
Class IIa - levels of laser (applies to
visible only) radiation are not considered
hazardous if viewed 1,000 seconds but
are considered a chronic viewing hazard
for any period of time >1,000 seconds
Class 2 visible (0.4 0.7 m) lasers not
considered hazardous for momentary
viewing (<0.25 seconds), but for which
the Class 1 accessible emission limit may
be exceeded for longer exposure
durations; avoid prolonged staring
Class 2 no eye risk for short term
exposures, even with viewing instruments;
no risk to skin (applies to visible lasers
only)
Class II - levels of (visible only) laser
radiation considered a chronic viewing
hazard
Class 2M
a
no eye risk for short term
exposures, except perhaps with viewing
instruments; no risk to skin (visible only)
Class IIIa - levels of laser radiation are
considered,
depending upon the irradiance, either an
acute intrabeam viewing hazard or chronic
viewing hazard, and an acute viewing
hazard if viewed directly with optical
instruments
Class 3a
- with Caution label: does not exceed
the appropriate irradiance MPE, except
perhaps when viewed through collecting
optics (e.g. microscopes, telescopes)
- with Danger label: may exceed the
appropriate irradiance MPE
Class 3R
b
low risk to eyes, no risk to
skin
Class IIIb - levels of laser radiation are
considered to be an
acute hazard to the skin and eyes from
direct radiation
Class 3b emit greater than Class 3a
limits and pose an acute eye hazard; more
rigorous controls are required to prevent
exposure of the unprotected eye
Class 3B medium to high risk to eyes,
low risk to skin
Class 4 - levels of laser radiation are
considered an acute hazard to the skin and
eyes from direct and scattered radiation
Class 4 acute eye and skin hazard, plus
ignition source (fire) and laser-generated
airborne contaminants hazards; strict
control measures required
Class 4 high risk to eyes and skin
a. The M designation in the IEC classification scheme is derived from magnifying optical
viewing instruments.
b. The R designation in the IEC classification scheme is derived from reduced or relaxed
requirements for manufacturers (no key switch or interlock connector required) and users
(usually no eye protection required).
28
APPENDIX C
Additional Considerations for Outdoor Laser Use
A laser need not cause a pilot eye injury to disrupt the normal operation of an aircraft. The FAA
identifies three (non-injury) categories of air crew visual impairment:
Glare: dazzling sensation induced by relatively bright light, producing unpleasantness,
discomfort, or interference with optimal vision; generally ceases once stimulus removed,
but residual effects (spatial disorientation, loss of situational awareness) can persist;
Flash blindness: visual loss during & following exposure to high intensity light flash; may
last a few seconds to several minutes; and
Afterimage: persisting sensation or image after stimulus removed.
An FAA study of flight crews in simulators exposed to various levels of laser radiation found that
exposure to 0.5 W/cm causes visual impairment (FAA, 2004). Landing approach is the most
critical time, and in fact distractions during this crucial period are limited by law (49CFR121.542,
125.311 &135.100). To prevent distractions associated with pilot laser exposure, the FAAs Order
7400.2 (Part 6 Chapter 29 Outdoor Laser Operations) long ago established maximum allowable
irradiance levels (flight safe exposure limits) in the area around airports, as follows:
Laser Free Zone 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) from runway centerline in all directions, plus
additional 3 NM along flight path, to 2,000 ft; 50 nW/cm (distraction)
Critical Flight Zone 10 NM (18.5 km) from airport center point; 5 W/cm (glare)
Sensitive Flight Zone (distance established on case by case basis) 100 W/cm (level for
significant flash blindness & afterimage)
Normal Flight Zone 2.5 mW/cm (exposure <MPE)
Table C.1 indicates the approximate range within which a typical 5 mW red (~680 nm) diode laser
pointer (~1 mrad divergence) will exceed the specified FAA exposure limits [based on ANSI
Z136.1-2000 NOHD Eq 50].
Table C.1: Approximate Laser Pointer Hazard Distance D (neglecting atmospheric attenuation)
Exposure Limit D (m)
MPE (2.5 mW/cm) ~16
SFZ (100 W/cm) ~80
CFZ (5 W/cm) ~356
LFZ (50 nW/cm) ~3560
Operators of any laser must ensure that the beam is not directed into navigable airspace.
29
APPENDIX D
Protective Eyewear for Ultrashort Pulsed Lasers
D.1 Executive Summary
Researchers (e.g. Koschinski et al, 1998) some years ago observed induced transmittance in
protective filter materials upon exposure to very high irradiances from ns, ps and fs pulsed lasers.
This temporary loss of filter material attenuation can negate the protective capability of eyewear
and thereby place laser users at risk of injury due to excessive laser radiation exposure. In
response, the European Laser Protective Eyewear Standard EN207 has established additional
eyewear testing and marking protocols to address this potential hazard. This Standard adds a pulse
duration rating to the previously-established L attenuation number (which corresponds to the OD
of the eyewear) and wavelength, as follows:
- D: rated for continuous wave lasers
- I: rated for long pulse lasers (>100 ns)
- R: rated for Q-switched lasers (1 ns to 100 ns)
- M: rated for ps and fs lasers (< 1 ns)
M-rated eyewear recently became commercially available. In addition to meeting the
wavelength and OD (L number) requirements specified by Duke Laser Safety, provision and use
of M-rated eyewear should be mandated for all laboratories using unenclosed class 3b or 4 ps
and fs pulsed laser systems.
D.2 Technical Basis
Koschinski et al (1998) reported dramatic decreases in the attenuation provided by some
glass and polycarbonate laser protective eyewear filter materials exposed to very high irradiances,
although the filter material appeared physically undamaged. Increased transmittance was observed
for polycarbonate material exposed to irradiances in excess of 4x10
9
W/cm from a 1064 nm Q-
switched (~15 ns pulse duration) Nd:YAG laser. The filter materials OD dropped by over six
orders of magnitude as the irradiance was increased from 4x10
9
W/cm to 4x10
11
W/cm, with
ablation of filter material beginning around 10
12
W/cm. Similarly the transmittance of semi-
conductor doped glass filter material increased upon exposures to 800 nm 250 fs pulse Ti:Sapphire
irradiances in excess of 10
11
W/cm. The OD dropped by five orders of magnitude as the
irradiance increased to 10
12
W/cm. The authors propose an absorption center model that
accurately predicts this increased transmittance as a function of irradiance for the materials tested.
Several other researchers have confirmed and extended these findings to other wavelengths
and filter materials. For example, Schirmacher et al (2005) compared induced transmittance in 11
types of polycarbonate filter materials and three types of glass filters exposed to 50 ns and 200 fs
pulses in the 70-800 nm range, finding temporary induced transmittance at irradiances below those
that caused any visible damage to the eyewear. These effects are real and have serious
implications for users of ultra short pulsed laser systems.
30
Although US laser safety standards have been slow to react, the European laser safety community
has responded to this issue by specifying improved testing and marking requirements for laser
protective eyewear. The European Laser Protective Eyewear Standard EN207 adds a D, I,
R or M pulse duration rating to the previously-established L attenuation number (which
corresponds to the OD of the eyewear) and wavelength, as noted in section I above.
D.3 References
Koschinski W, Schirmer A, Sutter E. Induced transmittance of eye-protective filters. J. Laser
Appl., 10:126-130 (1998).
Schirmacher A, Sutter E, Werhhahn O, Siegner U, Nevenjina-Sturhan A. Investigation of the
irradiance-dependent spectral transmittance of laser filters in the nanosecond- and femtosecond-
pulse regime in the wavelength range between 700 and 800 nm. J. Laser Appl., 17:191-197
(2005).